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ISLAND OF CUBA; 




QUEEN OF THE ANTILLES. 



BY REV. L. LEONIDAS ALLEN, 



AUTHOR OF "PENOILINGS UPON THE BIO GRUNDE j" "TRIUMPH OF MIKD OVER DIF- 
FICULTIES;" "NARAT1VE OF AN INDIAN CHIEF;" "SCENES UPON THE BAT- 
TLE FIELD, IN THE AZTEC CLIME ;" "GRANDEUR AND BEAUTY 09 
CREATION," LATE CHAPLAIN IN THE U. S. ARMY, TEM- 
PERANCE MISSIONARY, AC, 40. 



ALLEN-DALE, OHIO, 1852. 



CLEVELAND : 

STEAM PRESS OF HARRIS, FAIRBANKS A CO., HERALD JOS OFFICE. 

1852. 





JH 




THE 



ISLAND OF CUBA; 



QUEEN OE THE ANTILLES 

BY REV. L. LEONIDAS ALLEN, 



AUTHOR OF " PENCILINGS UPON THE RIO GRANDE ;" " TRIUMPH OP MIND OVER DIF- 
FICULTIES j" "NARAT1VE OF AN INDIAN CHIEF;" "SCENES UPON THE BAT- 
TLE FIELD, IN THE AZTEC CLIME ;" " GRANDEUR AND BEAUTY OF 
CREATION," LATE CHAPLAIN IN THE U. S. ARMY, TEM- 
PERANCE MISSIONARY, AC,, <t<\ 



,0 



ALLEN-DALE, OHIO, 1852. 



CLEVELAND : 

feTEAM PRESS OF BARKIS, FAIRBANKS <t CO., HRBALR JOB OFFICE. 

1852. 






TO THE 



HON. PIERRE SOULE, 

fflffi F EARLESS AND FIRM PATRIOT, DISTINGUISHED STATESMAN, PROFOUND 
CIVILIAN, SAGACIOUS POLITICIAN, AND CHRISTIAN PHILANTHROPIST, 

THIS LECTURE 



UPON THE 



ISLAND OECTJBA; OR, QUEEN OP THE ANTILLES, 
Es respscttuUg tretrfcateU, 

WITH SEDIMENTS OF THE HIGHEST ESTEEM, AND PROFOUND REGARD. 

SBY THE AUTHOR. 

AUen Dale, Juiy 4, I8'5l> 



Steamer "Beacon," Ohio River, June 17, 1851. 

Rev. L. L. ALLEN— 

Dear Sir : — At a meeting of the passengers of the "Beacon," held 

last evening, it was unanimously 

Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be presented to the Rev. L. L. Allen, 

for his elegant and deeply interesting address upon the Island of Cuba ; and that 

a copy of it be published. By complying with this request you will confer a very 

great favor upon the passengers, and very much oblige the committee. 

With sentiments of esteem and respect, 

"We are, Yours, &c, 

A. C. OLDS. ^ 

THOMAS JACKSON", 

J. T. MILLER. '< 

I. H. DRAKE, > Committee. 

THOMAS BRUCE, 

A. D. SHAW, 

WILLIAM ROBERTS, J 



Allen-Dale, Ohio, July 4, 1851. 
Gentlemen : — At the time I complied with your request to deliver an Address 
upon scenes in the Island of Cuba, the Queen of the Antilles ; I hinted that I should 
at some future period, publish, my Lecture upon that subject. I have written it 
out in full, and send it to the reading community, just as it is, trusting to their for- 
bearance and that of my friends, for a kind reception. 

With sentiments of the highest esteem and most profound regard, 
Yery respectfully, I am your Mend, 

To Messrs. A. C. Olds,^ L. LEONID AS ALLEN. 

Thos. Jackson, 
J. T. Miller, 

I. H. Drake, ) Committee. 

Thomas Bruce, 
A. D. Shaw, 
William Roberts, J 



COMPLIMENTAEY. 



Hall of Grand Division, S. of T. of Maryland, ^ 
Baltimore, September 4, 1847. $ 

At a Special Session of the Grand Division of the Sons of Tempe- 

[L. S.] ranee of the State of Maryland, held on the above date; the following- 
preamble and resolutions were adopted. 

Whereas, The Rev. Bro. L. L. Allen, of Crystal Fount Division, No. 6, Sons of 
Temperance, of St. Louis, Missouri, late a Chaplain in the United States Army 
under General Taylor, having been on a friendly visit to the city of Baltimore, and 
from his urbanity, brotherly bearing, and exertions in furtherance of the great 
principles of " Love, Purity, and Fidelity," deserves from us some testimonial of 
our respect : 

Therefore be it 

Resolved, That the Grand Division of Maryland, Sons of Temperance, in meet- 
ing assembled, do highly approve of and appreciate the motives and labors of 
Brother Allen, and, as an evidence of our regard for his zeal in " the cause of all 
mankind," do hereby tender him the thanks of this body, and recommend him to 
the friendly consideration of all true and faithful Sons of Temperance of the Uni- 
ted States of North America. 

Resolved, That this be signed by the Grand Worthy Patriarch and Grand Scribe., 
and the seal of the Grand Division attached, in the city of Baltimore, this fourth 
day of September, eighteen hundred and fourty-seven, and of the institution of 
the order the fifth. JAMES YOUNG, G. W. P. 

¥m. H. Gobeight, Grand Scribe. 



Philadelphia, State of Penn., U. S. A., March 14, 1848. ? 
Office of National Division S. of T. 3 

Rev. L. L. ALLEN— 

"Worthy Brother : — Tou are hereby appointed and fully empowered 
to act as a Deputy M. W. Patriarch of the Order of Sons of Temperance of the 
U. S. of America, to the organization of Subordinate Divisions of the Order in 
the City of Rome and Country of Italy, and in such other cities and countries as, 
in your projected travels you may visit. 

Our Order has for its great object the dissemination of the blessings of Total 
Abstinence from all Intoxicating Drinks. In this great hope it does not confine 
its wishes to our country alone ; but, prompted by its fundamental principle 01 
" good will to all mankind," ardently desires to scatter its white emblems among 
all nations. 

That in the estimation of this office, you will zealously carry out the benevolent 
intentions of the order, you bear with you the evidence in these Credentials. That 
your effoits may be blessed of the Almighty, Who is the Father of every good 
cause, to the establishment of Temperance in many places and to the consequent 



good of our fellow beings, is our earnest •wish. A new field and a noble work lie 
before you. To be the first to plant the flag of our peaceful and benevolent Or- 
der, and fix permanently the principles of Total Abstinence, supported by " Love, 
Purity, and Fidelity," in the " Eternal City," may yet prove an historical fact, 
and prove also to the favored agent an elevating moral and historical honor. 

Again wishing you every success in the good work, and every per- 
[L. S.] sonal blessing and protection in your tour, with a safe return to home 

and friends. 
I am very truly your Brother in Love, Purity, and Fidelity, 

FRED. A. FICKARDT, M. W. Scribe, 
Approved, National Division, Sons of Temperance. 

PHILIP S. WHITE, M. W. P. 



Washington, 15th October, 1848. 
My Dear Sir : — This letter will be delivered to you by the Rev. Lewis L. Al- 
len, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Allen has acted as Chaplain in Gen- 
eral Taylor's division of the army with universal approbation, and bears with him 
a strong recommendation from the Secretary of War, to General Scott. 

Mr. Allen is a pious and excellent man, and his motives for proceeding to Mex- 
ico are, I have no doubt, of the purest benevolence. 

Any assistance, therefore, which you may afford him, will be considered a per- 
sonal favor conferred upon Your friend 

Very respectfully, 
Major General Patterson, JAMES BUCHANAN, 

of the IT. S. Army. 

I believe that all which Mr. Buchanan says of the Rev. Mr. Allen, as a Clergy- 
man and a man, is quite true. DANL. WEBSTER 
Boston, November 16, 1848. 



I take pleasure in adding my testimony to the within, and in recommending the 
Rev. Mr. Allen, to a friendly reception and respectful treatment, wherever he may 



Philadelphia, March, 1848. 



H. CLAY. 



The undersigned being chosen a committee by Bethlehem Union, No. 11, D. of 
T., for the purpose of giving expression to their feelings of gratitude to the Rev. 
Lewis L. Allen, for the pleasant visit received from him, and the encouraging re- 
marks to which they had the pleasure of listening, would submit the following 
resolutions : 

Resolved, That while we reciprocate the kindness and sympathy which he has 
manifested toward us, we are no less disposed to appreciate his correct and lucid 
expositions of the principles of our order, and we may be permitted to express a 
hope that it will ever be our highest ambition to afford to the world an equally 
correct practical illustration of the same. 

Resolved, That we will cherish the recollection of the brief interview enjoyed 
with our brother, among the loved memories of by-gone hours, and wherever his 
future lot may be cast, whether amid the orange groves of Italy, or upon the time 
hallowed shores of Palestine, or yet among the hills and valleys of our otc>< be- 
loved country — we shall continue to feel our interest in his welfare, and rejoice to 
receive tokens of his prosperity. 

Resolved, That in his proposed mission, our brother bears with bini the earnest 

wishes of our hearts, that Providence who holds the destinies of mankind at 

its disposal, will watch over him for good, grant him success in his la- 

[L. S.] bors for the suppression of Intemperance, and the elevation of degra- 
ded humanity, and finally admit him to the reward of the sanctified. 

Worcester, October 17, 1848. CATHARINE A. K. BALL, 

SARAH H. NILES, 
H. LOUISE HARTWELL. 



8 

November 20, 1848. 
Rev'd and Dear Sie : — Accept the thanks of the Temp. Society over which I 
preside, for your interesting address of last evening. We shall be happy to have 
you take tea with us to-morrow evening, at 6 o'clock, and go to hear the Rev. Mr. 
King, of Dublin, preach in Mt. Vernon Church. 

Your Friend, 
Rev. L. L. Allen-. M. GRANT . 



New Orleaxs, December the 8th, 1849. 
To Brother L. L. Allen, P. W. P. of Crystal Fount Division, No. 6, of the 
State of Missouri. 

It is my pleasure, in obedience to the instructions of Louisiana Division, No. 
11, Sons of Temperance, to communicate to you, officially, a copy of the following 
Resolution, adopted by said division on last evening, at its regular meeting. 

On motion of Bro. Robt. M. Lusher, Conductor of the Division, and seconded 
by Bro. G. W. Denis, W. A., it is 

Resolved, That this Division have with both pride and pleasure listened to the 
remarks of Bro. Allen, of Missouri — pride, because of the honor which so elo- 
quent a tongue bestows on the Order, and pleasure, because tones of thought such 
as his, strengthen our confidence in the ultimate success of our cause. 
Bv order of the Division, In L., P. and F., 

G. PANDELY, R. S. 



Jackson, Jan'y. 12, 1850. 
Being informed by the Rev. L. L. Allen, a Clergyman of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and late a chaplain in the army, that he is about to make a tour 
of this state, in the good cause of promoting temperance, I take pleasure in stat- 
ing, that although, I have not had the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with 
the Rev. Mr. Allen, I am satisfied from the recommendations of distinguished 
men and the representation of friends, that he is in every respect worthy the 
friendly attention of the good people of this state. J. A. QUITMAN. 



Mayor's Office, St. Lodis, 5th March, 1851. 

The undersigned. Mayor of the city of Saint Louis, takes great pleasure in re- 
commending to the good people of the State of Missouri, the bearer hereof, the 
Rev. L. L. Allen, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church south, and late 
a chaplain of the army of the United States, in Mexico. Mr. Allen is a laborer 
in the cause of humanity, in the same wide field with the Rev. Father Matthew, 
and other philanthropic men whose efforts are effecting so much in redeeming the 
human race from the miseries of intemperance ; and he is now about to make a 
tour of the State of Missouri, under the sanction of the National Division of the 
Sons of Temperance, for North America, to further the objects of the society. 

I recommend him to the courtesy and kindness of our citizens in everv part of 
the State. L. M. KENNETT. 



Mayoralty of New Orleans, 3d May, 1851. 
The Reverend L. L. Allen, a. Clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
aud late a Chaplain in the U. S. Army, has given me to understand that he comes 
amongst us to engage in the benevolent cause of promoting Temperance. I there- 
fore take pleasure in presenting him to the people of New Orleans, as a disciple 
of the good Father Matthew, and though not personally acquainted with the Rev. 
Mr. Allen, I am satified from the recommendations of distinguished men, that 
he is worthy of the friendly attentions of the community. 

A. D. CROSSMAN. 



From the highly respectable testimonials which the Rev. L. L. Allen has ex- 
hibited to me, I feel no hesitation in recommending him to the kind offices and re- 
gards of those among whom he may chance to exercise his mission of temperance 
and of christian apostolate. PIERRE SOULE. 



THE ISLAND OF CUBA : 



QUEEN OF THE 4NTILLES 



U. S. Navy, May 13, 1851. ) 
Steamship Ohio, New Orleans, La. \ 

For more than ten years I had been cultivating a desire to visit the 
Island of Cuba. At length, quite unexpectedly, I am about to be 
gratified. . The agent of the steamship company, Mr. Jennings, very 
politely complimented me with a state-room, which was $40, on the 
large and magnificent, and beautiful steamship Ohio, plying between 
New Orleans and New York, via Havana, commanded by Lieutenant 
Wilkins Schenk, U. S. N. She left her moorings, opposite the Plaza- 
de-arms, on Tuesday morning, at half-past 8 o'clock, May 13, 1851, 
with a large number of passengers ; some for Havana, some to New 
York, and some to California, and others to various countries in 
Europe. She glided down the Mississippi in majestic, and, indeed, 
beautiful style. On each side of the river extensive fields of the 
sugar cane were spread out before the eye, undulating in the gentle 
breeze. At 4 o'clock, P. M. we passed the bar of the Balize, and 
rode beautifully upon the deep black sea. Scarcely a ripple disturbed 
its surface, as we receded from the shore, and the land appeared to be 
a mere speck. The sun lingered a while, and then went down, seem- 
ingly, into the very depths of the ocean. The moon arose with 
resplendant lustre, and the silvery Stars came forth, one by one, look- 
ing like the eyes of angels. The sea throughout, on our entire pas- 
sage, was as calm as a little infant reposing on the bosom of its 
affectionate mother. On Thursday evening we anchored near the 
Moro Castle, and lay to until morning, when we passed directly under 



10 

her guns, and glided into the harbor, which is not only commodious, 
and perfectly safe, but most beautifully situated, being almost circular, 
and surrounded with hills sufficiently elevated to render the harbor 
secure, as well as to add to its beauty. After being hailed from the 
Moro, " What ship's that ?" and answered " The Ohio," " "Where are 
you from ?" " New Orleans," we cast anchor. Soon an officer came 
on board, and taking my passport from me, which I obtained from 
the Spanish Consul in New Orleans, by paying two dollars for it, he 
gave me in return a permit, for which I paid him two dollars more; 
and after having been examined at the custom house, and paying a 
dollar or tw® more, we succeeded in getting to our lodgings at the 
Havana House, Mr. Woolcott, proprietor. After resting, ablution, &c, 
I sat down to a sumptuous dinner, and, after eating quite heartily, I 
sallied out to see the lions and elephants. The Plaza de Arms was 
my first point, the residence of Governor Concha, the Captain General 
of the Island of Cuba, holding his appointment from the Queen of 
Spain. This is a public square, very handsomely laid off, with a 
monument also, erected to Ferdinand. I also saw the tomb of Colum- 
bus. The city of Havana contains a population of 80 or 100,000 
inhabitants within its walls, composed of Castillians, from old Spain, 
and Creoles. There are quartered within the city ten thousand soldiers, 
and it is guarded in every point by strong fortifications. Havana is 
literally tilled with churches, and 1 have visited a number of them. 
Most of them are venerable in age. The cathedral is an immense 
structure, near the Plaza de Arms, composed of lime, coral rock, 
stone, and cement, and is of Gothic style, very richly and magnifi- 
cently finished, ornamented with much gold, and embellished with 
numerous beautiful and elegant pictures, painted by the best artists. 
On last Sabbath I visited this cathedral, and remained an hour in 
witnessing the various ceremonies connected with the Catholic service. 
A large organ pealed out its majestic tones in a variety of ways, from 
the thundering bass to the soft and dulcet stnins, in sweet and har- 
monious numbers. The Padres, or Priests, with their costly robes, the 
chaunting of the choir, tinkling of bells, and the various exercises 
attending the Church of Rome, elicited my attention. The floor of 
the cathedral is solid marble, constructed in the form of diamonds. 
I observed very few men there, but quite a number of females, which 
led me to inquire in my own mind whether it is because there are 
more refined and tender hearts among them, which render susceptible 
of sympathy, and thus prepares them to enter into the service of the 



11 

church with so much fervency and devotion, and whether there would 
not be more females than males in that bright and heavenly world of 
unsullied and unclouded glory, nor sin, nor sorrow known. Many of 
the worshippers were very thinly and badly clad, and knelt with appar- 
ent devotion upon the naked floor for a long period; others were very 
elegantly and richly attired, and kelt upon carpets, spread for them by 
their black slaves. Among the worshippers were two sisters of 
charity, and a number of pupils under their charge, dressed in entire 
white, with black veils, all completely absorbed in their devotions. 
Yesterday, at 5 o'clock, P. M., I set out upon a promenade, from the 
Havana Hotel, and walked entirely around the city on the outside of 
the walls, passing upon the passeo, on the south side, looking out into 
the bay, giving a most enchanting and poetical view of the sea, 
with ships, vessels, sloops, corvets, frigates, and the thousand 
small boats floating, or rocking lightly upon the surface of the water. 
From there on to the Navy Yard, then to the western passeo, down 
to the Theatre — Tacon — a massive building, erected by the energy 
and enterprise of Signor Tacon. Near this point is a Lapaiza, or 
public square, enclosed with heavy iron railing, for the purpose of 
reviewing the Spanish troops. Not far from this square is a public 
fountain, throwing up its cooling waters, and in the midst of it a large 
and handsomely finished monument, supporting a beautiful statue, a 
Goddess of the sea. On each corner of the monument is a large fish 
in marble, throwing a stream of pure cold water from his mouth. 
From this point I passed down the north passeo, arriving opposite the 
Moro Castle. Here are two fountains, with four large marble lions 
throwing water through their tongues. Here is situated the city 
prison, where I witnessed a large number of poor fellows engaged 
at work, with a heavy chain attached to their legs; and as some 
wandering minstrels were making music upon an organ and tambo- 
rine, these unfortunate men were clanking their large chains as they 
marched to their cells, to be shut up for the night. They were not 
all Spaniards. What a strong contrast! Only a step between happi- 
ness and misery ! This is the prison from whence the victim is taken 
to be garoted. He is placed in a chair on a platform, with irons 
around his ankles, wrists and neck His head is fastened firmly to 
an upright piece of wood; a screw is then fixed upon a crank directly 
opposite the neck, on the spinal marrow. When the executioner gives 
it a quick turn, which causes this sharp instrument to penetrate the 
neck, separating it instantly, causing immediate death, there is a slight 



12 

starting of the victim, and then all is over. The soul is separated 
from the body. The victim is brought out of his cell at 6 A. M., and 
is immediately executed. His body remains in a sitting posture until 
3 o'clock, P. M., his hair floating or streaming in the winds of heaven, 
a monument to be gazed upon by the assembled multitude and pass- 
ers by, when it is taken down and placed in a common cart, and con- 
veyed to the cemetery, and deposited among the dead bodies which 
remain unhonored, bleaching in the dews of heaven by night, and 
exposed to the scorching rays of the sun by day, adding another vic- 
tim to this appalling enamel house, unwept, unmourned, and dishon- 
ored. The executioner employed to execute the unhappy victim on 
the occasion referred to, was above 60 years of age, who was con- 
demned to imprisonment during life for manslaughter. He was brought 
out to the scaffold under a file of soldiers. After he had finished the 
execution, he received ten dollars from the government, through 
an officer, who handed it to him with his back turned towards him, 
and then he was marched back again, with a ball and chain attached 
to him, under the same escort of armed soldiers, to his lonely and 
miserable prison, to linger out a long and wretched life. The young 
man who was garoted was scarcely nineteen years of age. He had 
been apprehended, tried and convicted, and executed as a spy in the 
late expedition against the Island, under General Narcissa Lopez. He 
met his fate without a murmur, or evincing any fear. 

I may as well describe the celebrated Fortalice Moro. Having been 
favoured with letters from some of our most distinguished men, and an 
inti*oductory to our Consul, I was introduced to the Captain General 
of the Island, Concha, who very kindly gave me permission to visit 
his famous Gibraltar, as also the Castelio Cabario, near the Moro, 
and connected by four subterraneous passages excavated through the 
solid rock. I set out on my tour of observation at 4 o'clock, P. M. 
Proceeding to the harbor I procured a small boat, and in twenty min- 
utes was ascending the rocky inclined plain which leads to the gate, 
guarded by a sentinel. Presenting my commission to him, it was 
sent to the Governor, who immediately directed me to be passed, 
receiving me very kindly, and assigned me an escort, who, with 
much courtesy, conducted me to every part of the fortification. The 
Moroic, at the entrance of the harbor, looking out upon the sea, 
and founded upon coral rock, resembling an empty honey-comb. Its 
base is lashed by the ever restless and foaming ocean. This rock, when 
embedded in its primative state, is soft and is hewed with an axe ; but, 



13 

when exposed to the air, becomes very hard. The fort has been con- 
sidered impregnable, and it has been supposed that it is equal in 
strength to the castle of San Juan de Ulloa and Gibralter; yet I 
believe it once fell into the hands of the Moors, after a hard sieo-e, 
and much blood being spilt. There is a very strong tower erected on 
the point of an angle, called the Moro light house, Avhich emits a very 
soft, mild, and yet a very brilliant light. At the time of my visit 
there a number of American armed vessels were cruising off the har- 
bor, lying off and on, under secret orders from our government. I 
became very much interested in the various display of ensigns, flaos, 
and colors, which were displayed from the flag-staff at the Moro, in 
speaking to the different classes of these marine vehicles. Astonishino- 
how much intelligence is conveyed through these silent yet significant 
telegraphs. As I have remarked elsewhere, the Castillio Cabanio is 
connected with the Moro by four subterraneous passages, sufficiently 
wide to admit four persons abreast, excavated through the solid rock. 
The Cabario is a fortified castle, rendered almost impervious to any 
foreign foes. It was forty years ia building, and cost $7,700,000. 1' 
visited every portion of it, from the waters edge, beginning at the very 
first rock, and ascending to the very last point on the castle, enjoving 
a commanding view of the surrounding country, which was transcen- 
dantly beautiful, and inimitably fine. As far as the eye could gaze, the 
ocean was spread out before me like a vast mirror, resembling an 
immense mirror reflecting back the light of the soft mellow moon and 
the silvery stars, with here and there a majestic ship, with her white 
sails trembling in the breeze, sailing upon the blue waves as graceful as a 
swan, while the zephyrs were as soft and gentle as though they came 
from the spice groves of Arabia, while on the other hand the eye took 
in at one sweep a vast range of undulating and picturesque hills, and 
vales, waters gushing and refreshing, beautiful gardens, fields of sugar 
cane, interspersed with the tall and stately palm, pine-apple, orange, 
lemon and banana. Historians have intimated in their writings that 
these same subterranean passages, and secret vaults, which, could 
they speak from beneath the depths of these heavy walls, could tell 
some sad tales of woe, of the groans of prisoners, and clanking of 
chains, and deep sighs. It is said, too, that there is the marks of 
blood on the walls of these damp and lonely cells, and mouldy bones, 
and ghastly skulls, have been seen in these fearful charnel houses, 
which makes the timid turn pale, the heart of the philanthropist to 
throb with sympathy, and the tear to bedim the losy cheek of the 



14 

young and beautiful. The day may not be far distant when the 
massive prison door will fly open, the prisoner's galling chains be 
knocked off, and the captive look upon the sweet sky and green earth 
once more, and inhale the breeze, fragrant with the rose, honey- 
suckle and jessamine. Heaven hasten that happy hour. 

About one league from Havana, through a beautiful grove, is 
the Bishop's garden, situated in a lovely grove of palm trees. Its 
palmy days, however, have passed away, and it has fallen very much 
into decay. There is enough remaining, however, to add to the in- 
terest of the visiter. One afternoon, at 4 o'clock, a company of us set 
out in our volantus to visit this popular place of resort. After riding 
through an archway, formed by the interlocking of the boughs of trees 
which were arranged on either side of a smooth road, we came to the 
Bishop's garden. On alighting from our volantus, or carriage, we 
walked in procession through a long vista, formed by the coral-rock, 
with orange and lemon trees, and alternated with palm and mangos. 
Water is brought into the garden from an inexhaustible spring through 
acpieducts of stone. A self-moving water-wheel lifts the water from 
the main aqueduct, and empties it into smaller ones, and thus the 
entire garden is abundantly watered by this necessary element, 
which also supplies the entire city of Havana. At one time this 
garden contained plants, flowers, and fruit, from every clime and 
tropic on the globe. The palace, which was a magnificent building, 
has been destroyed by fire. There is, however, enough remaining to 
render it an object of interest. There are a number of cages, con- 
taining wild beasts, lions, tigers, hyenas, wolves, &c. I noticed also 
two enormous alligators, in cages, so arranged as to permit them to 
occupy both elements at their leisure, together with other amphibious 
animals. There were a variety of birds also, such as the eagle, 
ostrich, hawk, parrot, owl, &c , caged. Every one of them evinced a 
desire to enjoy their freedom. Here you may see the pine-apple, 
orange, lemon, banana, mango, &c, growing in friendly contiguity to 
each other. After taking a draught of good cold water, nature's pure 
beverage, sparkling and bright, we left the Bishop's garden much 
gratified with our ride and visit. 

My next visit was to a small village called Regla, (to the Bull 
Fight,) opposite Havana, which is reached by a steam ferry, cost- 
ing one shilling. A large circular building was erected, with a suf- 
ficient number of seats to hold 5,000 persons, with a gallery and 
pit. Price of admission, $1 to the gallery, and fifty cents to the^ pit. 



15 

The entire building was filled with men, women and children. A 
brass band, composed mostly of black persons, discoursed sweet 
strains of music, while the Governor and suite, in full military, 
sat in a box prepared exclusively for that purpose, seemed to enjoy it 
very much, while the audience were filling the seats previous to the 
commencing of this barbarous sport. At 4 o'clock, P. M., a large gate 
opened, and a cavalcade entered, of horses richly caparisoned, and 
cavaliers richly dressed and mounted ; some on mules and some on 
horses, while a number in various costumes, followed by three mules 
abreast, harnessed to a whiffietree, with a beautiful covering over them, 
with bells upon their heads, driven by four men. After the cavaliers 
had taken their positions, the chief of the cavaliers rode up to the box- 
where the Governor was seated, and made his obeisance. Taking off 
his hat, the Governor threw into it a large key, fastened to a bunch of 
red ribbon, which he immediately handed to a servant, who unlocked 
another large gate leading into another large yard or pen. Immedi- 
ately a large brindle bull, with a tremendous pair of horns, dashed 
furiously into the arena, looking terribly affrighted and maddened. 
After staring wildly at the audience, he suddenly whirled around, 
raising his head, stood a moment, his eyes flashing defiance, then dash- 
ed furiously among the entire cavaliers, plunging one of his horn? 
through the side of one of the horses. Drawing it out, the blood 
streamed out in profusion. Making another plunge, *he turned the 
horse and his rider over, killing the horse instantly on the spot, and 
injuring the rider; but, by his dexterity, he escaped death, though 
imminently exposed. The horse was immediately dragged from the 
combat, and another placed in his stead, which the cavalier who had 
been so unceremoniously unhorsed a few minutes before, mounted in 
a bold and fearless manner. No sooner had he seated himself firmly 
in his saddle, lance in hand, when the bull, stung to madness, his neck 
being full of poisoned arrows, dashed with tremendous fury and im- 
petuosity upon the bold cavalier, dashing him and his horse to the 
ground, goring the struggling animal most horribly, causing almost 
instant death of the horse ; still the rider escaped almost by a miracle. 
Finally the bull, tortured on all sides, writhing under the poisonous 
arrows, and becoming faint by the loss of blood, he fell, struggling 
like a hero martyr dying, amid the shouts of the audience and the 
acclamations of his murderers. Four large, fine bulls, were killed, 
one after the other; not, however, until they, in their turn, killed four 
fine horses. One of the chief features in this sport, and which 



16 

attracted so many, myself among the number, was a young and 
beautiful girl, scarcely seventeen years of age, as lovely a creature 
as heaven ever smiled upon, being one of the chief actresses in the 
exciting and thrilling scene. Notwithstanding this barbarous custom, 
which has obtained so much notoriety among some nations, was so 
revolting to refinement, yet I found myself strongly interested in the 
success of the actors of the bloody and tragical scene. The young 
female to whom I have alluded was Spanish. The feat consisted in 
this young Senorita standing upon a barrel, with chains around her 
ankles, then with a scarf of a crimson or blue color held up before her. 
The infuriated animal was then started full tilt after her, when she 
would leap with great dexterity away from him, with the chains around 
her ankles. It made my blood curdle in my veins to see this young 
and beautiful creature thus exposed to the fury of a mad bull. When 
the bull on several occasions would come full tilt after her, and the 
vast audience almost breathless, a cold chill would run over me, hold- 
ing me spell bound, until she bounded like an antelope away from the 
maddened creature. Then one simultaneous burst of applause and 
acclamation of praise went up from their breasts, and a shower of gold 
literally fell upon her, from the wealthy planters and merchants who 
seemed so much delighted with her feats of agility. This is the first 
and last bull fight which I ever expect to see. Sino-ularly strange, 
indeed, that people of any nation, or any clime, cannot find a more 
rational mode of amusement 

The city prison is near the punta, not far from the fort, opposite 
the Moro Castle, on the calle, or road, leading to the cemetery. You 
pas's out of the city through a gate of the wall, forty feet in thickness, 
guarded by a file of soldiers; and also, near this, another not so 
strong. This prison is situated also at the foot of the pasao, or grand 
promenade ground. A very large reservoir of water, of rock, with 
lions pouring this element from their mouths. Not live ones, but 
stone. There are a large number of prisoners confined in the prison. 
Most of them had a large chain fastened to their leg. The prison 
was exceedingly filthy, and almost suffocating with heat. • 

How forcibly an American is reminded of his own native home, 
and fireside scenes — how the mind clusters around his loved institu- 
tions, his altars and hearthstones — how his affections cling to the green 
hills and lovely vales, the meandering stream, the bubbling brook, and 
silvery cascade, and rolling sea; the golden fruit, fertile fields, and 
rich harvests of grain. 



n 

The cemeteries of the Island of Cuba are unlike any country 
Which I have ever visited. They are situated about one league from 
Havana, (those I am about to describe,) the Catholic or Spanish, 
Seamen's, English and American, left with scarcely an enclosure to 
protect them from obtrusion — from the sacrilegious. I was sadly dis- 
appointed, anticipating an opportunity of reviewing some elegant and 
beautiful monuments in commemoration of the departed ; but scarcely 
a pedestal, or urn, or shaft, or, indeed, slab of marble, is to be seen in 
either cemetery ; but thousands of bones lie either in heaps or scat- 
tered over the burying grounds, exposed to the scorching rays of the 
sun, or bleaching in the dews of night, resembling one vast charnel 
house. I walked over to the cemetery near the sea shore, where lay 
strewed the bones of my countrymen. Some had been engaged in 
war's stern commotion, amid scenes of blood and carnage. Some had 
been tossed upon old ocean's billowy wave, while others had pursued 
a more peaceful occupation ; and a few had sought this beautiful Queen 
of the Antilles to restore a shattered constitution. I stood upon the 
sea-shore, the sun was lingering upon the last foaming wave that ad- 
vanced, and then retreated. The murmuring billows created a pecu- 
liar kind of melody as I gazed upon this vast mirror, emblem of the 
Deity, and then upon these mouldy bones and ghastly skeletons. A 
sadness came over the spirit of my dreams when I thought that per- 
haps some poor victim had been arrested by that scourge that walketh 
in darkness, or wasteth at noonday, away from his loved ones ; no kind 
and affectionate wife, or loved sister, to close his dying eye, or pillow 
his head ; no devoted and faithful minister of the cross to administer 
consolation in his last hour. I retraced my steps, rejoicing that I was 
an American. In all ages a proper respect has been paid by most 
nations to the memory of the dead, and that was a beautiful teaching 
of one who said, "Let me die and be buried among mine own kindred." 
The Hebrews, Egyptians, Carthagenians, Greeks, Romans, Asiatics, 
and Europeans, erected the most costly and magnificent monuments 
to commemorate the memory of the departed dead ; and America, too, 
has her Mount Auburn, near Boston; Greenwood, near Brooklyn; 
Laurel Hill, Philadelphia; Green Mount, Baltimore; Mount Hope, 
Rochester; Belle Fontaine, St. Louis; French and American, New 
Orleans, and the Congressional, near Washington city, where we may 
retire from the scenes of life, and wander amid the pedestals, lofty 
shafts, beautiful columns, and majestic urns, with the cyprus of mourn- 
ing, and myrtle of hope, entwining amid the fragrant and delicate rose. 



IS 

Here he may retire from the busy hum of life, hold with the mighty 
dead, and commune with the spirit of his loved ones. 

The Orphan Asylum is about one mile from the city of Havana,- 
near sea shore, with ample grounds and extensive buildings, enclosed 
with a high and massive wall The matron I found to be not only a 
very fine looking lady, but really possessed of fine qualifications of 
head and heart, having an excellent education, and an affectionate dis- 
position, endearing herself to the orphan, and, by her mild and gentle 
course, enthroning herself in their little hearts. I was conducted 
through the entire department by a very courteous young Spanish 
companion, who appeared to take much delight in showing me every 
minutiae connected with the asylum — the refectory, ordinary, play 
grounds, studio, &c. The little creatures seemed quite happy and 
very much interested in seeing Los Americanos paying them a friendly 
visit. I observed that they all had their hair cut off very close to 
their heads, which gave them a very funny appearance. The object of 
this was to keep their heads cool, and free from fever, &c. I left this 
part of the asylum, and proceeded to the chapel, which was brilliantly 
illuminated. Soon the chapel was filled with these little orphans, who 
commenced singing in the innocence of their young hearts. 1 left 
them as the last strain fell upon my ear. I lingered a moment to 
catch the faint dulcet strain vibrated .faintly upon my ear, offering a 
fervent prayer for the orphan. 

Guinnez is 45 miles from Havana, which is reached by the Railroad. 
This is the very Eden of Cuba, and the retreat of the invalid, and the 
resort of the fashionable pleasure seekers. The chief attractions here 
are the rich sugar and coffee plantations, and verdure, which is almost 
perrenial. Here the stately pine grows to the height of 60 and 70 
feet without a single branch, until near the top, where a crown of ever- 
green is perched like a gem in a coronet of a young queen. The pine- 
apple grows to great perfection here, as also does the lemon and orange, 
the banana, strawberry and raspberry. The flowers bloom in sweet- 
ness, flinging their odour to the breath of man, cooled with myriads of 
dewdrops sparkling in the sunlight, while the air is made vocal with 
the music of birds with the most beautiful plumage, carolling out the 
sweetest and most melodious strains. A fountain of water is constant- 
ly throwing up its crystal gems, cooling the atmosphere. Here you 
may enjoy the mild zephyr as it fans your cheek, or inhale the atmos- 
phere, so refreshing to the invalid. By all means pay a visit to this 
lovely retreat. 



19 

The Railroads in Cuba will compare very creditably with those in 
the United States, and they ought to, for they have been constructed 
by American engineers and mechanics. Most of the engineers are from 
the States, both on the railroads and plantations, who receive $125 
per month. The distance from Havana to Matanzas is 66 miles. 
There are three classes of passenger trains; the first for the upper 
tens, the second for the middle class, and the third for the lower or 
republican class. The prices ranging thus: $6 50, $4 25, and $2 75. 
The first class that I went in company with contained four persons, 
the second eight, and the last W)0. Being a plain Republican, I took 
the third class, which gave me a fine opportunity to see the country, 
•enjoy the pleasant breeze, and become acquainted with the manners 
and customs of the people. There were many very wealthy and 
respectable families rode in the third class. Pride costs much trouble, 
pain and expense. We left Havana at 6 o'clock, A. M.. took break- 
fast at 9 in Gaines, and arrived in the town of Matanzas at 12, M. 
Much money and labor have been expended on the railroads in Cuba, 
in excavating through the coral-rock, and over many ravines, through 
hills and vales. 

Matanzas is a city containing a population of 20,000 persons. It is 
situated at the head of a beautiful and commodious harbor or Bay, 
where vessels lie at anchor from almost every port in the world. There 
are two streams of fresh water emptying into the bay, the Sormoovi 
and the San Juan. Matanzas is environed by rocky and, in many in- 
stances, craggy hills. Most of the buildings, as in Havana, are con- 
structed of the coral rock. Nearly a mile from the city there is an 
immense cave, and also a gorge, or pass through the rocks, giving 
strong evidence that the river broke through, making its way to the 
bay. There is but one church in Matanzas. Catholic, of course. 
The city is under the jurisdiction of a Governor. The passeo is a 
•very extensive walk, extending along the bay for nearly a mile, with 
a road in the eentre for carriages and equestrians, with rows of large 
and beautiful shade trees. At 6 ^o'clock, every evening, numerous 
/companies of Sonoros, Senoritas and Senors, are to be met, in their 
volantes, enjoying the pleasant breeze from the waters, and listening 
to the enlivening strains from the band. At the end of the passeo is 
a strong fortification guarding the bay and city. On the eminence 
overlooking the passeo are magnificent mansions, occupied by the 
Garcia family, who are very wealthy and influential, and universally 
esteemed. One of the gentlemen has recently formed an alliance 



20 

with an accomplished young lady from the city of New York. The 
Garcias are very patriotic, and are favorable to a change of govern- 
ment, and also to the annexation of the Island to the United States, 
I paid my respects to Mr. Roaney, our Consul, who is a citizen of 
Delaware. Although he is from a little State, he has a large soul, 
and an enlarged mind, taking a comprehensive and intelligent view of 
men and things. Matanzas is the place where Gen. Narissa Lopez 
once resided, over which he once had jurisdiction as Governor. He 
has many friends and adherents here. In case of another invasion by 
the expeditionists under his command, there are many in Matanzas. 
who would rally around his standard. At the time I visited this place 
there were very many who were looking with great anxiety towards, 
the North for Lopez's forces, desiring an entire change in the form of 
government in all its distinctive and various forms. 

Cardenas is thirty miles from Matanzas on a line, but more than that 
distance (the way I went) by railroad, through the heart of the coun- 
try, giving all the beautiful and variegated' scenes which the most 
fertile mind can imagine, or the most graphic pen describe, or delicate 
pencil delineate, through extensive plantations of coffee, sugar cane, 
palm, orange, lemon and pine-apple, every thing looking so fresh, 
nature putting on her richest livery, undulating in the passing breeze. 
Cardenas is a very small town, and also very young, containing a pop- 
ulation of about 5,000 souls. It lies at the head of a small bay, with 
clusters of islands in sight, covered with perpetual verdure. A large 
and magnificent cathedral stands in the centre of the town, which is 
its principal ornament. Cardenas will ever be memorable. American 
blood has been spilled here. The American ball, too, has been set in 
motion here, and it never goes back either. This is the point where 
Lopez, with a handfull of Americans, landed and encountered an over- 
whelming force, losing many valuable lives. What the sequel of all 
this will be, time alone will eventually develope. 

Without saying one word, either pro. or con., relative to the propri- 
ety or impropriety of the late invasionists, styled by some the Libera- 
ting Army, and by others Filibusters, or, in other words, pirates — I 
am an American. In regard to the material composing the army of 
liberation, admitting that there were men among them who were no 
better than they should be, yet there were men among them whose 
patriotism, chivalry and bravery, who had been tried and proven in 
other climes, and on battle-fields at Palo Alto, Monterey, Buena Vista, 
Cerro Gordo, Del Rey, Chapultapec, and other points in the Aztec 



21 

clime, and who had held important offices in the gift and confidence of 
the government. As to the motives which actuated them in this move- 
ment, it is not for me to know; and what important consequences R*e 
involved in this act, future historians may tell, and future orators may 
depict in eloquent terms, and graphic and glowing characters. Of 
one fact I may speak; that the spirit of liberty is too much diffused 
among the people of the Island of Cuba for it to remain, for anj 
length of time, under the bond of oppression. How this is to be ac- 
complished I leave to the future historians and statesmen to say — 
whether by conquest, or purchase, or both, or whether she will exen 
herself into an independent Republic, or become annexed as another 
State of the Union. 

The sugar plantations on the Island are very extensive, laid out on 
a large and extensive plan, and immense quantities of sugar and mo- 
lasses are made annually. Sugar, however, is the principal and staple 
product of the Island. Some coffee is made, however. The planters 
find it more profitable to convert their coffee into sugar plantations. 
In former years the sugar-cane was ground with bulls; now it is 
ground with machinery moved by steam. They also sent their sugar 
and molasses to the place of embarkation in kegs, on the backs of 
mules. Now it is sent in cars upon the Railroad. It is astonishing 
what immense quantities of sugar is manufactured in Cuba annually 
upon the plantations. I observed ten slaves to one white man. Al- 
though concealed weapons are forbidden, yet every overseer has a 
brace of pistols to holsters, and a matchel or sword fastened to his 
body. The slaves are nearly naked, having merely a pair of panta- 
loons upon their bodies. Their food is very indifferent, and they are 
worked very hard. That they should feel their oppression, and look 
towards the United States — which, in spite of all the efforts made to 
prevent, they occasionally hear glowing accounts of — I say no wonder 
they sigh for a change in their condition. 

My intercourse with the people led me to observe pretty accurately 
the manners and customs of the people among all classes. The laws 
of hospitality hold good. Both Castillians and Creoles are social and 
kind people. "Whenever I entered their mansions, I was greeted with 
the salutation of "Buenis deis, Senor." Good morning, sir. "El 
coffa?" Take a cup of coffee? "El cigareta?" Smoke a cigar, 
sir ? The old Castillian language is rich and mellow, as possessed of 
liquid sounds. When two or more are engaged in conversation, they 
become exceedingly animated. The gestures become vehement, the 

B2 



22 

countenance radiant, and the eye sparkles and flashes, and they he- 
come very eloquent Their general demeanor to each other, and to 
strangers, is very affable and courteous. Their principal amusements 
are card playing, dancing, attending the Theatre, bull fights, and rid- 
ing in their volantes. The females walk very little ; neither do they 
wear bonnets ; but ribbons, or beautiful veils, or scarfs, thrown over 
their heads at their leisure, which vary in prices according to their 
quality, from a quarter to a hundred dollars. When a gentleman in- 
vites a lady to ride with him, he first seats himself firmly in the saddle ; 
she places one foot upon his left, which is in the stirrup, and with the 
utmost ease vaults into the seat with him, sitting on his lap, so that 
she is perfectly secure. It is impossible for her to fall, so long as her 
lord remains firm. The dress of the Cubans is very light and extreme- 
ly neat ; consisting mostly of white linen. Bathing is frequent ; having 
access to the sea-bath. 

When a gentleman wishes to address a young lady, he must either 
converse with her on the outside of the bars of her room, or else in the 
presence of her mother; which is equivalent to a declaration of his love, 
and application for her hand and heart. I ought to have observed that 
the females are scarcely ever seen at their doors, but almost universally 
sit at their windows, which are secured by long bars of iron, having 
blinds on the inside which they can open at pleasure. 

The Cubans are remarkably, and indeed passionately fond of music, 
vocal and instrumental. The drawing rooms of the most wealthy and 
intelligent ladies are most universally furnished with the piano forte and 
the guitar, and in some instances the harp. The connoiseurs and ama- 
teurs among gentlemen, practice and play upon the violin, flute, guitar, 
accordeon, and piano, besides martial music. There are some well or- 
ganized bands, who occasionally parade through the streets on grand 
and gala occasions, and also occasionally give serenades on some beauti- 
ful moonlight nights. 

The island of Cuba is nearly eight hundred miles in length, and 
thirty-five miles at its narrowest width, and one hundred and thirty - 
five at the widest point, containing a population of one million, seven 
hundred thousand, divided into Castilian, Creoles, and slaves. There 
is a theory that the island has been made by the coral insect. Strange 
that so insignificant an insect should toil on incessantly by day, and 
through the live-long night, way down in the deep, green sea, patiently 
persevering, never heeding the numerous obstacles which present them- 
selves in the way. What a lesson is here taught the intelligent portion 



23 

of creation, who become wearied when a few difficulties rise up to hin- 
der their enterprise. There are thousands of intelligent and intellect- 
ual beings, could they be possessed of the collossal and herculean 
power to grasp the Himmala mountains, and hurl them into the midst of 
the ocean, would hasten to perform the act, but how few, indeed, have 
patience to take a chisel and mallet, and sit down, day after day, at its 
base, and toil until they had levelled it even with the earth. In all the 
grand and magnificent enterprises of any age, it requires incessant toil 
and continued effort, as in the construction and formation of this beau- 
tiful pearl of the Gulf. So man is taught to toil on in the accomplish- 
ment of every noble enterprise. 

There is but one religious sect in the entire island, the Roman Cath- 
olic, established by law. Of its tenets, dogmas, ceremonies and doc- 
trines, you are all familiar. Of the priests, in general, I am not pre- 
pared to speak in the highest terms ; if it be true that they, professing 
to be the priests of the most high God, bearing the vessels of the Lord, 
legates of the skies ! are guilty of violating a' law of God and of man 
in their intercourse with the slaves, then indeed are they culpable in- 
deed, and blind leaders of the blind. Of the votaries of the catholic 
religion in this country, I have but little to say, the devotions of the ca- 
thedral seemed little more than a continued series of mummeries and 
ceremonies. An incident occurred one Sabbath morning while I was 
visiting the cathedral. As I entered this majestic, and, indeed, I might 
say splendid edi6ce, the choir were chanting in connection with the 
deep toned organ, and the priests were going through with their por- 
tion of the exercises, one of the attendants passed through the entire 
audience, distiibuting lighted candles, giving one to me. I took it very 
mechanically, not wishing to be singular. Soon the audience knelt, 
when one. of the priests directed me to do the same ; recollecting that 
I was not in the United States, I dropped down upon one knee, but no 
sooner was the priest's back turned than I gave the candle to a negro, 
and deliberately walked out. It is doubtful who was the most aston- 
ished, the priest, the negro, the indignant choir, or myself. I hope my 
good catholic friends will not deem me incapable of appreciating the 
excellency of the catholic religion, but some how or other I never could 
bear coersion, it may be because my ancestry were cradled near Bunker 
Hill, and I inherit the same spirit which was enthroned in their hearts, 
if so, I am not to blame, having been born, bred and nurtured in a land 
where freedom was our birthright, and liberty was perched on our 
standard ; no wonder that having the genius of an American engrafted 



24 

within him, he should feel some repugnance in being compelled to kneel 
at a shrine with which he feels no affinity, and where the incense burned 
at an altar which was not congenial with his own feelings. However, I 
hope I shall be forgiven this obduracy ; whether I shall repent me of 
this evil is at least problematical. But a truce upon all this. Aside 
from the singular and, to me, irksome ceremony, I was seriously im- 
pressed. 

The politics of the island are aristocratic , the form of government 
is monarchical. Belonging to old Spain, it is governed by the Queen 
through a Captain-General, who has entire government and jurisdic- 
tion over it, ruling with a rod of iron. A class of the people are very 
well educated, many having been educated in our colleges and semina- 
ries in the United States and Europe, being highly accomplished, and 
the mind being adorned not only with the most solid branches, but em- 
bellished with the lighter and ornamental. The lower classes are pain- 
fully neglected, being very ignorant, filled with deep rooted prejudices, 
and exceedingly treacherous.' Secret societies are forbidden in the 
island ; at one time there was a Masonic lodge in existence at Havana, 
but the government directed it to be disbanded, and it cannot under the 
present form of government exercise its functions without subjecting its 
members to a very severe penalty. The day may, however, come 
when these difficulties will be obviated. 

Temperance ! In regard to temperance on the island of Cuba, it is 
a singularly interesting fact that the only persons which. 1 saw intoxica- 
ted were foreigners, and most of them Americans. Although much 
brandy, rum, and gin is drank, especially in Havana, yet the principal 
beverage is wine, which is drank as freely as we drink coffee and tea : 
the Catalana wine, is that which is drank the most freely by all classes. 
I have frequently seen the peasantry making their breakfast, dinner 
and supper entirely from wine and bread. When I proposed to the 
Cubans to open my commission to them as a temperance missionary, 
they observed that it was unnecessary to exercise my apostolate to 
them, as they were all very temperate, but if I could do something 
to reform my countrymen they would very cheerfully co-operate with 
me in the glorious and sublime enterprise. What a comment upon 
America ! the land of freedom, and philanthropy and genius, and song 
and poetry. 

In the centre of the grand passo is the la plaza, or public square, 
enclosed with a heavy, high iron railing, within this railing, on Sabbath 
afternoon, at four o'clock, Concha, the new Captain-General, reviewed 



25 

his troops, consisting of about four or five battallions, most of them, I 
should think were not over twenty-four years of age, and they had all 
been drafted from old Spain, the mother country ; they all wore brown 
linen blouses, and neat little valises upon their backs, canteens by their 
sides, and loaded muskets, with bayonets transfixed, and a supply 
of cartridges — there were two large brass bands of music, who per- 
formed some very fine pieces as the entire troop passed in review 
before the Captain- General and his staff, in full uniform, making a 
grand and imposing spectacle. Concha, by the way, is a very fine 
looking fellow, and withal being in great favor with his Queen. I un- 
dertook to enumerate his titles, but got tired out after I had counted 
some dozen or more, and then gave it up by adding &c, &c, &c. 

Senor Tacon was probably the most intelligent and liberal minded 
man, as well as generous and enterprising Captain-General that the 
island was ever favored with. It was to his energy that the city of 
Havana was supplied with good water ; he also laid out and constructed 
the grand passo, outside the walls. The Grand Theatre was named 
after him, the most commodious and magnificent between the Pacific 
and Atlantic Oceans, capable of containing five thousand persons, with 
six tiers of galleries. It was in this, the Grand Tacon Theatre, that 
Jenny Lind, the Swedish nightingale, enchanted immense audiences of 
the Habaneros, upon her late visit there, accompanied by Barnum, the 
prince of showmen, and his troupe, including Benedict, Belletti, Kyle, 
Salvi, &c. 

As you are passing out of the harbor of Havana, a beautiful monu- 
ment greets the eye, enclosed within an iron railing, erected to the 
memory of Tacon. The statute erected to Tacon is very neat, con- 
structed of the most beautiful white marble, a pure stream of water 
running through one of the hands. On the entablature there is writ- 
ten Tacon. A beautiful and enduring memento to his memory. 

This beautiful Gem of the Ocean, sometimes called the " Pearl of the 
Sea," " Key to the Gulph," and " Queen of the Antilles," is attracting 
the attention of the Europeans as well as Americans ; but it is very ev- 
ident that it is too remote from England to become annexed to that 
country, and there are elements at work, unless we greatly mistake the 
signs of the times, to dismember it from Spain, at no distant period. 
Whether it be the manifest destiny, or not: it has increased much in in- 
terest to the United States. Within a few years, the great thor- 
oughfare, opened to the Isthmus, and from thence to Lower and Upper 
California, and Oregon, it seems to be the tendency of things, that this 



m 

garden-spot should form a portion of the United States, And why not ? 
I appeal to the philanthropist and christian, whether it would not be 
infinitely better for the oppressed Cubans, to live under a form of gov- 
ernment where all men are " free and equal," and where the genius of 
liberty diffuses its halo among its votaries, and all worship at their own 
shrine, and genius, song, poetry, and eloquence shed their radience 
around, and the benign influence of peace and reconciliation be enjoyed 
by the Inhabitants of the Island of Cuba, the beautiful Queen of the 
Antilles? 



'# 




REV. L. LEONIDAS ALLEN 015 817 903 

Who was connected as a Chaplain, with the American army in Mexico, under ~. 
the command of Gen. Winfield Soott and the late President Taylor, who also 
wrote a series of Letters from that country, entitled •' Pencilings oh the Rio 
Grande," and appeared originally in a prominent St. Louis paper, and who has 
recently returned from a visit to that interesting and beautiful spot, the Island of 
Cuba, has devoted the last three years in advancing the cause of Temperance in 
the South-west ; and arrived here a few days since, with the intention of deliver- 
inga number of Lectures to the good people of the Forest City. 

We take pleasure in stating that he comes highly recommended by the most 
distinguished men in the country — Hon. Dbniel Websteb, Henry Clay, Wm. L. 
Maroy, Jamer Buchanan, Gens. Taylor, Quitman and Laman, Rev. Dr. Duvin, 
the Mayors St. Louis and New Orleans, and various societies before whom he has 
lectured, as a man of pure character, a zealous devotion to the cause of philan- 
thropy and an efficient and eloquent Lecturer. 

He announces the following Lectures, which have been delivered before large 
and popular audiences in various cities of the Union. The time and place to be 
made known hereafter. 

1. The History of Temperance. 

2. Scenes upon the battle-field in the Aztec clime, during the years of 46-'7 
and '8. 

3. The Queen of the Antilles ; Or a visit to the Island of Cuba, <fec. 

In these respective lectures, the Lecturer will avdert to the rise, progress and 
history, of the Temperance cause in various countries ; more especially in our own 
country, Mexico and Cuba. .We have no doubt that the entire course will instruct, 
and please, especially his graphic and thrilling descriptions of the battle scenes, 
and the interesting Island, which is attracting the attention of the pnblic mind 
Wa bespeak for him crowded audiences. — [ Ohio Paper. 



At a large and respectable meeting of the citizens composed of Ladies and 
Gentlemen, convened at Andrew's Hall, the Rev. Samuel Beattie was called to 
take the chair, and L. Haynes appointed Secretary. After listening to a deeply 
interesting address upon the evils of intemperance, from the Rev. L. L. Allen, late 
Chaplain of the IT. S. Army in Mexico, the following Resolutions were presented 
by Hon. Hiram McMillen, and passed by a unanimous vote. 

1st. Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be tendered to the Rev. Mr. Al- 
len for the eloquent and instructive address delivered to this audience. 

2nd. Resolved, That .we commend him to the courtesy and kindness of the 
friends of temperance, wherever be may be called to labor. 

3d. Resolved, That we present our thanks to Mr. Andrews, for the gratuitous 
use of this Hall. 

4th. Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings signed by the President and 
Secretary be presented to Mr. Allen and that the editors of the Milan Free Press 
be respectfully requested to publish them. 

The following amendment offered by Dea. Philo Adams, was unanimously, 
adopted : 

Resolved, That we will not countenance or support in any way Distilleries that 
manufacture intoxicating liquors. 

Rev. SAMUEL BEATTIE, Ch'n 

L. Haynis, Secy. — [Ohio Paper. 

Lovn, Poaryr and Fidelity. — We are indebted to the author for a copy of an 
" Oration delivered before the Sons of Temperance, at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on 
the Birth-Day of Washington, by Rev. L. L. Allen." This oration was pub- 
lished at the request of a committee of members of the Sons of Temperance at 
Fnrt Smith. It is an eloquent denunciation of the mischief of intemperance, as 
seen not only in other countries but in our own, and contains numerous appeals 
in favor of putting a stop to the encroachments of this destroyer. Mr Allen is 
known as a distinguised advocate of the cause of temperance in this section of the 
Union, and a very happy means of extending his usefullness has been adopted, in 
the pulication of his address. He can in this way reach thousands who would 
most probably, never hear his public lectures. — [St. Louis Republican. 



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